Kern County Prescribed Grazing Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026040002
Public Agency
Kern County
Document Title
Kern County Prescribed Grazing Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/1/2026
Document Description
This project aims to address the risks associated with accumulated hazardous fuels and noxious weeds within classified fire hazard severity zones in Kern County. This initiative aims to strategically reduce fuel loads in all areas classified under fire hazard severity zones, thereby enhancing public safety, protecting property, and promoting ecological resilience. The project will cover all classified fire hazard severity zones in Kern County, including urban-wildland interfaces and rural communities. Grazing will be implemented using cattle, sheep, and/or goats, depending on site-specific vegetation types and management goals. Grazing periods and stocking rates will be carefully planned to maximize reduction of fine fuels while minimizing impacts to soil and native plant communities.
Contact Information
Name
Ethan Kennedy
Agency Name
Kern County Fire Department
Job Title
Principal Planning Team Lead
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Kern
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
All Classified State Fire Hazard Severity Zones and all Classified Local Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15304. Minor Alterations to Land, "consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes." Cattle and sheep will target the invasive annual grasses during their growing season to a targeted level around 800 lbs/acre, leaving dry matter for soil stabilization with substantial fuel reduction. The grazing will target invasive annual grasslands and native plants will not be detrimentally affected.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
General Rule, Section 15061(b)(2) & (b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15061(b)(2) states "The project is exempt pursuant to a categorical exemption and the application of that categorical exemption is not barred by one of the exceptions set forth in Section 15300.2." The Kern County Fire Department states that Categorical Exemption 15304, otherwise referred to as Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land, applies for this project.
Section 15601 (b)(3) states "The activity is covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA." No permanent infrastructure is being installed, the area has historic grazing activities, and the annual grasses grow vigorously during each growing season (winter months). There will be no permanent changes to the landscape.
County Clerk
Kern
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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